Brassai (born Gyula Halasz but called Brassai after his birthplace, ''de Brasso'' or Brasov, Hungary) began exploring and documenting the deserted Paris streets at night in 1930. He photographed dark alleys, empty streets, lovers, vendors, vagabonds and prostitutes. His portrait of ''The Prostitute Bijou'' covered in jewels in the Bar de la Lune brought him the most recognition. Brassai's thoughtful compositions coupled with his accurate night exposures make for an impressive portfolio of work.

This book was first published in 1932 in Paris as ''Paris de Nuit.''

First editions may be hard to come by these days; a copy of this recently published book would be a worthy substitute.

-- Allison V. Smith

-- ''Inside the Live Reptile Tent: The Twilight World of the Carnival Midway,'' by Jeff Brouws; Chronicle Books (144 pages, $29.95)

Brouws explores the soul of roadside carnivals and weekend fairs -- some abandoned and some in full swing. His photographs are saturated with color and composed carefully. His vision is reminiscent of William Eggleston's understated images.

The book has text by cultural historian Bruce Caron and historical photographs by members of the Farm Security Administration taken soon after the Depression.

-- Allison V. Smith

-- ''Family: A Celebration of Humanity''; William Morrow ($50)

Photographs in this book appeared in the exhibition Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship (M.I.L.K.), which was organized by New Zealand publisher Geoff Blackwell and featured photographers from around the world.

It is a noble book about family, everyday life and people of all cultures. In parts, it can be very moving.

For example, on one page there is the famous 1972 photo of Kim Phuc, the young Vietnamese girl running from the bombings and smoke with her body partially burned by napalm, photographed by Nick Ut. On the opposite page is a current photo of her, grown-up with her own child, Thomas, and a quote:

''So many scars, my arms, my back. I thought no one would love me. But I was so wrong. This picture of me and my Thomas, my angel.''

Brooklyn-born Arthur Tress' photographic world is dark, dreamy and unusually disturbing, full of wild imagination set in stunning black-and-white and color. The artist loves shadow and dramatic light, and the visualization of his fantasies.

Tress started out as a documentary photographer but took a serious turn into staged imagery and worlds of his own creation. When you encounter a mind like this, it's easy to see how the line between ''genius'' and ''crazy'' must be quite fine. You want to applaud his efforts but somehow keep a safe distance.

-- Randy Eli Grothe

-- ''Bear: A Celebration of Power and Beauty,'' by Daniel J. Cox and Rebecca L. Grambo; Sierra Club Books ($50)

Cox's book includes more than 200 photos of bears on lonely walks, bears in trouble, bears showing maternal devotion, bears dealing with grief, bears dancing together and bears eating river snacks. He seems to leave no bear unphotographed.